April 2009 Archives

Word has just reached me that a meeting is planned for next week for beef breed societies to discuss the possibility of organising a new National Show to take the place of the English Royal.

Apparently the NBA are behind it, but details are unfortunately sketchy at this point, but I'll investigate further tomorrow and let you all know what I find out. I just hope they don't try and do a beef show and forget the dairy, sheep and pig side of things, breaking up the species would be a disaster as far as I can see and help no one.

A Jersey cow owned by the Fleming family, Seaforde, Co Down, in their Potterswalls herd has become the only living homebred Jersey to score Ex96 at classification and the first Jersey for 10 years to achieve the score.

Six year old Potterswalls Paramount Glamour is by Rockella Paramount and was named breed and reserve interbreed champion at the Royal Ulster Winter Fair in 2007.

British Blue prices topped at £2400 at Wednesday's sale of pedigree males and females at Skipton, North Yorkshire.

Leading the trade was pure white bull from David and Rachel Capstick, Hellifield. The May 2007-born son of Serum was bought by Oldfield Bros, Gisburn.

At 2300gns was the reserve champion from the pre-sale show, Copgrove Blaze from Gareth Hogg, Well House Farm, Copgrove. This one is a son of Visconti De St Fontaine and is out of Gregmaur Vivian and sold to Tim Metcalfe, Clayton, Bradford.

Then at 2000gns was the day's female and overall champion a November 2007-born heifer from Jack Wallbank, Kleasden, Clapham. The heifer, High Moss Chardonnay, is a daughter of Belgian sire Fancion De Ronchy, a sire sourced through Norbreck Genetics, and is out of Currarie U2. She was bought by Stephen Swales, Melbourne, York.

And another from the same home out of the same dam sold for 1900gns to Martin Sharp, Stainforth, Settle. This one, High Moss Donna is by Jaguar De Pierrecome and was born in March 2008.

Breeding heifers met a flying trade at Dingwall yesterday when trade topped at £1700 for British Blue cross entry from Michael Durno, Auchoran, Glenlivet. This one weighed in at 505kg, selling for a highly respectable 336.6p/kg.

Overall the 392 store and breeding heifers forward averaged £190.2p/kg, while the 307 bullocks sold to a top of £1070 thrice and 250p/kg to level the day at 194.9p/kg.

Young bulls, meanwhile, topped at 231.9p/kg and £930 gross to average 181.8p/kg and the sole breeding bull forward, a Simmental, made £2000.

Fresh milk and breeding was in stong demand at the dispersal of T W G Bartlett's Shilvington Holstein herd, with this much admired herd selling to 40 different purchasers from Truro to Carmarthen.

It was two Picston Shottle daughters that achieved the days top price of 3100gns being"Shilvington Shottle Tina that had calved in February to her second lactation having given 10,310kgs as a heifer she joins the Hartlandview herd in Devon and Yardgrove Shottle Ona out of a VG88 dam and an Ex93-5 Starbuck Ona grandam she was purchased by her breeders David and Oliver Coombes who also secured her heifer calf Shilvington Mr Sam Ona for a bid of 1500gns.

No less than 62 of the cows and heifers sold realised over £2000. The cow that graced the catalogue front cover Shilvington Champion Dawn sold for 2600gns and the other photographed Shottle daughter being a VG86 Lady made 2700gns.

Calved heifers sold to average £2121 with Kamps-Hollow Convcd RSVP PI ET daughters in demand and selling to 2550gns for the VG86 Dawn heifer and 2500gns for the VG85 Melody which crossed into Somerset to join the Osborne's Torvalley Herd.

Served heifers due from September to January sold to 1750gns twice for two of the Heather family both out of VG87 ET dams with two further generations of VG behind them, they were both due to Den-K Marshall Laurin in October.

The strongest trade of the day was for the 34 heifer calves which topped at 1650gns for another of the Heather family being Shilvington Shottle Heather 2 out of the VG87 ET Outside Heather 3 she stayed in Dorset to join the Cobb's Chalclyffe Herd.

A very well attended day achieved the following impressive averages:-

Dairy cows and heifers £2108.25, calved heifers £2121, served heifers £1613.80, heifer calves £837.84 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt).

A packed ring of buyers was at Cirencester on 28 April for the dispersal Sale of D C & E Collingborn's milking portion of Holstein Cows removed from their home at Chippenham for sale convenience.

The 57 forward saw over half the cows achieve bids in excess of £1000. Top call came for a fresh calved Genus Jayson daughter beginning her third lactation and achieving £1890. Another third calver by Delta Webster March calved and giving 28kg raced to £1837 and a March second calver by Roylane Jordan made £1785.  The top 10 cows averaged £1661 with cows selling to many areas outside of Gloucestershire.

Averages 48 Cows and heifers in milk and/or in calf £1120, 8 aged and unwarranted cows in milk £509

Along with the dispersal of his Bearbrook Limousin herd Bernard Mairs also sold his Croftburn Aberdeen-Angus herd last Friday at Moira and trade topped at a healthy 9000gns with new breeders dominating the buying.

Leading the trade was two year old heifer Croftburn Blackbird H331. Out of Coldstream Blackbird this one is by Northern Samurai and sold to new breeder Trevor Wallace, Dromore.

At 5200gns was another Blackbird, Croftburn Blackbird G313 a Netherton Kular daughter out of Huxton Blackbird. This one joins Mike Frazer, Templepatrick, buyer of the top priced bull at last week's Angus sale at Dungannon.

Then at 5100gns Mr Wallace was back in the market, buying Huxton Blackbird B081, dam of 5200gns Croftburn Blackbird G313. She is by Rawburn El Cid out of Rawburn Blackbird.

Ernie Hall, Ballyclare, added his name to the roll call of buyers when he bid 4000gns for Skaill Diana. Bred by Colin Davidson, Orkney, Diana is by Blelack Blackstock and out of another Skaill Diana and was female champion in Perth when she was bought for 6000gns.

And Mr Frazer added to his earlier purhases when he paid 3700gns for yet another Blackbird, this time Croftburn Blackbird H545. She is full sister to his earlier purchase Blackbird G313.

Among the semen on offer top call was a 200gns bid for Ranui Impact straws, while Darlene Cruz made 150gns/straw. (R A Noble and Co).

Spring lambs sold on an exceptional trade at Harrison and Hetherington's sale at Kirkby Stephen last night when Texel crosses from Messrs Foster, Waitby Farm, sold to a top of £110.50 and the seven forward from the farm averaged £109.

Other breeds made up to £88.80 for Suffolk crosses and £86.50 for Charollais sired entries.

British Blonde trade peaked at £3200 at the south west Blonde Club's show and sale at Sedgemoor Market on Saturday with the trade led by the senior class winner Allacott Corker from D Skinner, Shebbear, Devon. April 2007-born Corker sold with a beef value of +24 to Messrs Strang, Salisbury, for their Mandeville herd.

At 1940gns was the champion from the pre-sale show, Nantygelli Domino from S Pegington, Monmouthshire and at £1890 was Polgreen Chough from P Kingdon and Sons.

Cull cow trade has once again hit new and incredible levels with a British Blue cross cow from Messrs Bough of Buckabank Farm making £2147.67 at Carlisle on Monday. At 243p/kg this is a new centre record for an cull cow.

The cow had earlier stood first in the cull cow class of the Border British Blue Club's annual primestock show in which the champion ticket going to a stylish heifer consigned by J E and G Burrow of Flatt House Farm, Skipton which later sold for 237.5p/kg (£1296.7) to Bowland Foods on behalf of Pattons Quality Butchers, Millom.

The Reserve Championship was awarded to the first prize heavy heifer consigned by Messrs Watson of Cunningarth selling for 213.5p/kg (£1268.19) to Mr M Atkinson, Ripon.

A wealtth of leading Limousin genetics were up for sale last Friday at the dispersal of Bernard Mairs Bearbrook herd of Limousins at Moira, Northern Ireland.

Topping the sale was one of the herd's best show performers, 13 year-old Ronick Money. Bred by Ron Dick in his Ronick herd, Stirling, Money is by Ronick Gains and out of Broadmeadows Cannon daughter Roncik Honey. She sold at 5400gns to Dougie McBeath and Sarah-Jane Jessop for their Springsett herd, Scotland.

Also at this money was Money's daughter Roncik Valueless. By Ronick Riogrande, Valueless had been shown successfully and sold to Moses Irwin, Fintona, suckling a bull calf by Ronick Argos.

Next best call was a 5200gns sale for Ronick Violist. This four year old cow was seven months in calf to Greensons Gigolo and is also by Ronick Riogrande. She sold to Kenny Veitch, Lisbellaw.

Then at 4500gns was Pennys Ulay. Bred by P Walker, Driffield, Yorkshire, this one sold with a heifer calf at foot by Ronick Iceman and was in-calf to Ronick Argos. By Scorboro Olympian, she joins Sean McGeehan, Fivemiletown. And at 4000gns Glarryford Bee, a Samy daughter, sold in-calf to Ronick Argos to Steve McGookin, Carrickfergus.

A 3100gns bid secured Wilodge Navette for John O'Reilly, Eire. She is by Cannon and out of a Talent daughter and sold in calf to Ronick Argos, having been bought by 11,500gns at the ILC sale in 2004.

Some of the most sought after lots in the sale though were straws of semen, notably Gigolo semen and 21 straws from this respected sire sold for 550gns apiece to an undisclosed buyer. Cannon semen, meanwhile, netted 150gns/straw.

Of less interest to Taking Stock fans though will be the new blog-style reporting of the main summer shows and sales, you can of course keep up to date with all the news right here!!

Ewes and lambs reached a top price of £192 at Skipton yesterday when Cecil Hutchinson sold a pen of Beltex hoggs with lambs to A Lawson and Son, Tadcaster at that figure. These had earlier stood second in their class in the pre-sale show.

Second top call in the sale came for the first prize pen of Continental hoggs and lambs from John Stapleton, Skipton. These sold for £172/outfit, to D J Jackson, Northwhich.

And at £170 were the champions from the show, Cecil Hutchinson's Mules which sold to John Gate, Northwhich.

Averages; Mule hoggs with singles £135.24, Mule shearlings with twins £161.26.

Trade topped at 5200gns at last week's Checkley Holstein dispersal, Crewe, when more than 70 individual buyers took new stock home with them.

Topping the trade at the two-day sale was Checkley Talent Ghost, a four month old calf by Talent from nine generations of VG of Ex dams. Taking this one home were Jim Arnott and Duncan Hunter of Smartgrove Holsteins.

Next best call of 4700gns came for Checkley Shottle Molli, a Picston Shottle daughter from four generations of VG and Ex dams and whose grand dam was the former National Holstein Show Reserve champion. This July 2007-born heifer was in--calf to Talent and sold to Stephen Sherratt of Ashbourne.

In-calf heifer Checkley Outside Rhapsody took the next best price of 4500gns when she sold to Richard and Trevor Lloyd, Anglesey. This one is by Comestar Outside.

Then at 4000gns was Checkley Allen Rhapsody, an October 2005-born daughter of Canyon Breeze Allen. Having given 9384 in her first lactation this one sold to Dylan Jones, Pwllheli.

Also at this level was 15 month old heifer Checkley Blitz Rhapsody, a Fustead Emory Blitz daughter. She sold to Alan Reece, Shrewsbury. And at 3800gns was Checkley Stormatic Pearlacme, a Comestar Stormatic daughter she sold to Thomas Plas, Carmathen. And the same buyer then snapped up the next highest priced lot Checkley Outside Patsum, another Comestar Outside daughter.

The final call above 3500gns came for Checkley Storm Inkanan 2, a Pursuit September Storm daughter which gave 8764 litres in 305 days in her first lactation. This one sold to Robert Ward, Wayring.

Averages; 166 cows and milking heifers £2312.97, 65 in-calf and served heifers £2135.70, 127 maiden heifers £1414.85 (Wright Manley).

Huish L1, a tup lamb from David Rossiter's Huish flock-based at Kingsbridge, south Devon, has been selected as Centurion Reference ram for 2009 for the Poll Dorset sire reference scheme.

Huish L1, pictured in the foreground, is ranked fourth from more than 4000 Dorset ram lambs within Signet's National rankings is also in the top 1% of the breed for terminal sire traits. Signet breeding specialist Sam Boon says the ram is an excellent example of what can be achieved through selective breeding. More than 25 tups were put forward on the selection day, most of which had EBVs in the top 10% of the breed.

Sherbourne L127 from Robert Hole, pictured in the background was the group's second choice tup of those forward.

The dispersal of the Notwen herd of Holsteins for Gordon MacArthur at Carlisle's Borderway Mart last Wednesday produced a top call of 2700gns and a healthy average for the milking herd of £1108.86.

Heading the trade was Notwen Pea Hen 14, a September 2006-born daughter of Weeton Orion. Due in May to Mayne Horizon and out of a dam which gave more than 10,000litres in her second, Pea Hen 14 sold to Greentower Farms, Cartland, Lanark.

At 2200gns was Notwen Chantal 49, another Weeton Orion daughter. Again September 2006-born, Chantal 49 calved in February and sold to W C and D J Copland, Ecclefechan, Lockerbie.

Also at that value was Notwen Pansy 132, another Weeton Orion daughter. Again September 2006-born, Pansy 132 gave 1038 litres in the first 34 days of her heifer lacation and sold to Mar Farmers, Dunragit, Stranraer.

The third 2200gns sale came when February 2007-born Notwen Mairi 46 sold to Greentower Farms. Due in May to Mayne Horizon and by Stardale Saha, she is out of Notwen Mairi 42 which gave 8719litres in her first lactation.

Selling at 2150gns was Notwen Hettie, a Stardale Rouble daughter. She sold to Mr Wallbank, Sallon House Farm, Higher Walton.

Two sold at 2100gns, the first of which was another Stardale Rouble daughter, Notwen Olive 103. Out of a dam which gave 8806 in her first lactation, Olive sold to Messrs Copland.

The second transaction at this figure came when Greentower Farms bought Notwen Nell 122, a Gillette Carlton daughter. Calved in August last year and having given 4976 in 199 days of her second lactation, she was served on 19 March by Stardale Saha.

Averages; 152 cows and milking heifers £1108.86, 16 in-calf heifers £1794.84, 54 Maiden heifers £875.97, 64 heifer calves £415.57.

Saturday's Hereford sale at the breed's home market of Hereford hit a peak of 5000gns when Paul Dickin sold October 2007-born bull Jacobean 1 Malster. By Bosa 1 Blandy, this one is out of Costhorpe 1 Avril, a daughter of Costhorpe 1 Scallywag and was bought by J E Jones and Son, Chirbury, Montgomeryshire.

Next best at 4100gns was Romany 1 Enhance from Messrs Wilson, Kelso. By Crickley 1 Figurehead and out of Romany 1 Lucy, a Remitall Online daughter, this one sold with a terminal sire index of +27 and a self replacing index of +34. He sold to H A Colburn and Son, Northleach, Glos.

Last week's sale of coloured dairy breeds at Beeston, Cheshire, saw more than 220 head of cattle offered to a packed ringside which included buyers from as far afield as Scotland and Cornwall.

Topping the trade and breaking the breed's record at the same time was MRI cow Woodpecker Emma 115 from the Siddorn family's herd which was dispersed on the day. By Romel and fresh calved with her fourth, Emma 115 sold to Barlow Bros, Croston, Preston. Four others sold at 2050gns and 2000gns, all of which were purchased by Stuart Wood, Norbury, Whitchurch.

Leading the way in the Pukeko Jersey dispersal was a brace of 1600gns calls. The first of which came for Greyleys Carolyn, a November calved heifer by SHF Centurion Sultan and bought by P L Boam, Bakewell. Second to trade at this level was Ribblevalley Wait Milly, a July calved heifer by Rapid Bat Just Wait and bought by C M Waigh, Newton Stewart, Wigtownshire. Close behind at 1520gns was Pukeko Blackie, a February calved second calver which sold to D M Riley, Crewe.

In the main sale Dairy Shorthorns topped at 1520gns for a crossbred heifer from G and B Bell, Tarporley, which sold to G A Bartlam, Bramshall, Uttoxeter.

And Mr Bartlam was also in action in the Brown Swiss when he paid 2550gns for a fresh calved second cross dauhgter of Top Acres PR Polaris that gave 7426 as a heifer.

Red Holsteins were topped by one from Jack and Barclay Taylor, Myddle, Shrewsbury, who are selling their herd as they calve. Their sale leader was heifer Burnbrae Kian Marjan Red, out of a twice 9000kg dam she sold to D M Riley for 2120gns.

Averages; Woodpecker MRIs 34 cows and milking heifers £1464.44, Pukeko Jerseys 66 cows and milking heifers £1234.86, four served heifers £934.50, three maiden heifers £619.50, Ayrshires seven cows and milking heifers £1393.50, Shorthorn seven cows and milking heifers £1407, Brown Swiss tow cows and milking heifers, Red Holstein three milking heifers £1799 (Wright Manley)

Today's sale of Simmentals at Carlisle may not have had the numbers forward that Borderway Mart will see for its major sales over the next three weeks, but that didn't stop buyers paying strong prices for a quality entry.

Taking the top call was Hugo Arnold's Hockenhull herd, Cheshire, with Hockenhull Wilfred. By homebred sire Hockenhull Red Rum which was sold at Perth in February for 6500gns, this one is out of Hockenhull Deborah and joins Braesteads Farm, Penrith

Next best was a 4500gns call for Messrs Leedham's Grangewood Valantino. An AI son of Starline Klassik, Valentino is out of Grangewood Porshe and carries a TSI of +22 and an SRI of +20. He was bought by Messrs Graham, Canonbie, Dumfriesshire.

Charolais bulls peaked at 3900gns and achieved an 85% clearance at the breed society's spring sale staged at Brecon yesterday.

Leading the sale was the champion from the pre-sale show Maerdy Caddug TI +30, SRI +33, a 17 month old by Maerdy Padirac and out of homebred dam by Glencardon Piper. Bred and exhibited by Flintshire vet, Esmor Evans, Mold, he sold to C Merrish, Barnstaple.

The same vendor offered four more lots including two sharing a 2800gns price tag. First to go was Maerdy Benzene TI +27, SRI +31, a two year old Victorieux son and out of a homebred cow by Maerdy Grimaldi. The buyer was D T Edwards, Brecon.

The second 2800gns lot, Maerdy Crispian TI +25, SRI +32, was a 16 month old by the 55,000gns Perth supremo, Thrunton Voldemort and out of a homebred cow by Maerdy Nelson. Crispian was knocked down sold to W Davies and Sons, Brecon.

At 2300gns Esmor Evans sold Maerdy Corridale to R S Preece and Son, Hereford. This entry was a two year old by Victorieux and out of another Maerdy Nelson sired dam.

Breed newcomer, Dyfrig Jones, Llandeilo, sold two year old Stanboro Clayton for 3300gns to A R Crane, Barnstaple. Clayton was by Whitecliffe Tyson and out of a Thrunton bred cow going back to Caylers Humble.    

A bid of 2200gns secured Edenhurst Bermuda TI +37, SRI +37 for M J N Farms, Market Drayton. This three year old offered by Griff and Carolyn Morris, Llanstephan, was by the noted Mowbraypark Paramount and out of a cow going back to Rushmore Champagne.

Another 2200gns price tag accompanied Moelfre Cavalier from Kevin Thomas, Newcastle Emlyn. Sired by Gretnahouse Vigorous, this 18 month old was out of a homebred cow by Allanfauld Norseman and purchased by BG Morris, Builth Wells.

 Averages: Bulls £2467.50 (McCartneys).

Yesterday's small selection of Limousin bulls at Ruthin met a healthy trade with the sale topping at 3600gns for the champion from the pre-sale show, Medrad Cynnan from Messrs Hughes and Co, Llangwm. This one is by Tyddyn Taff, a Cloughhead Lord son, and out out Medrad Randy, which goes back to Gigolo.

Then at 3100gns was Alwen Caio from T L I and C P Wynne, Llanfihangel. By Ronick Hawk, Caio is out of Alwen Val which is in turn a Scorboro regis daughter and goes back to French sire Filip.

Close behind at 3000gns was another from Messrs Hughes, Medrad Canton. Again by Taff, he is out of Medrad Olwen a Normande Bismark daughter with French sire Atout in her back pedigree.

And at 2500gns was another Alwen entry, Alwen Caron. Sired by Bailea Spunkie, a Marron son, Caron is out of Rathkeeland Jodie daughter Alwen Rachel.

A small show of quality Hereford bulls were on offer at the Native Breeds Show and Sale at Dungannon on the 21 April.

Top price of the day went to John and William McMordie, Ballygowan with their 17 month old Solpoll 1 Editor who sold for 3200gns. Editor was sired by Panmure 1 Alexander, who also sired the Female Champion at the January Sale which sold for a record price. 

After spirited bidding, Editor was knocked down to W D McCabe, Crumlin, for use in his suckler herd.

The championship and second highest price went to Glenside Super, bred by Charlie and Raymond Pogue, Benburb. This 20 month old son of Blackwater Boxer sold for 2600gns to Bill Henry, Cookstown.

Magheraknock 1 Destroyer was the winner of the senior bull class for David Smyth, Ballynahinch. This 23 month old son of Masefield 1 Warlock sold for 1700gns.

Bulls sold to average £2205

As a showcase for young cattle the inauguaral Ruby Red Devon yearling show certainly proveed successful with more than 50 head forward in six classes.

Taking the overall championship was Mike and Sue Lanz's January 2008-born heifer Wellshead Lace 3.

In reserve spot was S G Philips' bull Colleton Halcyon, a March 2008-born entry.

On the same day the society also held a Novice Showman competition for young handlers. Taking overall honours here was 16 year-old Jack Gordon, Barnstapble, while reserve went to Sophie Stephens, Wheddon Cross.

With a total of 347 head entered the catalogue for next week's Limousin sale at Carlisle is certainly a weighty tome and after a brief scan throught its pages I think its fair to say that once again there will be cattle there to suit all tastes and budgets.

Whether the sale can live up to the February fixture's levels in terms of trade only time will tell, but without a doubt, going by breeding and figures there are some crackers entered.

My picks, for what their worth, cover a range of breeding, but for anyone wanting a combination of figures and breeding Harry Emlies first entry in the catalogue, Emslies Colossus would take some beating. This September 2007-born son of Objat has a beef value of +45, including a muscle depth of +7.7. And to add to that his dam is Ballymoney Noisette, dam of Ballymoney Veronica which was Scottish female of the year in 2006 and won seven interbreeds, including junior interbreed at the Highland in that year.

Another with good figures and breeding is Cowin Casanova from Dyfan and Carrol James, by Kype Orkney, a Cloughhead Lord son, he's out of Drysgol Miolta and has a beef value of +43 and was second in the local club's herd competition's young bull class.

Harry Emslie has another which will draw interest in Emslies CLK (someone up there at Peterhead is a Mercedes fan I'm guessing). This one is a Vivaldi son out of Pennys Tess and has a beef value of +41. Pennys Tess was unbeaten as a maiden heifer and as an in-calf heifer at four Royal Shows.

Native breed entries are on the up at one of the first shows of the season, with Newark and Notts Show reporting a surge in support Longhorn and Red Poll cattle classes.

Some 34 entries have been received in the Longhorn classes and the Red Poll Society is to hols its annual breed show at the event for the first time.

And this may be only the beginning of a native breed resurgence at Newark with show society chief executive Adrian Johnston hopeful of staging a premier native breed show in the near future. "The Society has a benefactor waiting in the wings and we look forward to more entries in 2010 and beyond."

Sheep entries are also up on last year too, with more than twice as many entered as in 2008, that should keep the judges, myself included busy over the two days!

In a new move aimed at helping breeders identify top performing dam lines the Simmental Society is to introduce an Elite Performance Cow Register to highlight the breed's top performing cows.

To be allowed entry to the list cows will have to have a self replacing index of more than +22 and have calved at least five times with an average calving interval of 13 months or less, explains Gordon Clark of the Society's technical committee.

"It's is easy to identify cows with high self replacing indexes, but to get onto the Elite Register cows will have to be regular breeders too," he explains.

Mr Clark says 21 cows have achieved the standard this year and the list will be updated annually.

It's now down to breeders to focus on these essential commercial traits and ensure their cows perform to the required standard.

More than 40 animals made 2000gns or more at Bristol Sales Centre this week when Paul and Jo Andrews sold the milking portion of their Beneknowle Holstein herd.

The top price of 4100gns came for Beneknowle Goldwyn Vaakje 73. This 9700kg heifer due again in October was potentially the eighth generation Excellent and attracted three telephone bidders, one of which, Robert Voyle, Pembrokeshire made the winning call.

Next best was a Goldwyn daughter, Beneknowle Goldwyn Amy 28 when she made 3500gns to Messrs Davies of the Shoreview herd, Tenby, South Wales.

Messrs Voyle then spent again when purchasing Beneknowle Allen Roxy 5 PI at 3100 for their Syfni herd. Two others also sold at this level, the first of which was Beneknowle Shottle Vaakje 72. She went home with A P and J H G Wyatt, Penbryn,. Third at this price was Beneknowle Hanno Vaakje 76 which was snapped up by K B Thomas, Allstar.

Included in the sale was a draft from Terry and Shayne Cox's Holmead herd which topped at 4000gns for Holmead Geno Joy selling to A J Salter, Crediton.

Averages; 118 cows and calved heifers £1962.07 (Norton and Brooksbank)

A limited entry of Aberdeen Angus bulls met a sharp trade at Dungannon on Tuesday when the day's reserve champion from the pre-sale show led the trade at 7600gns.

Leading trade was the much admired Clougher Enoch from Bushmills-based David Chestnutt. This June 2007 son of Fordel Eisenhower is out of Dacre Elaine. He sold for 7600gns to new breeder Mike Frazer, Ballyclare, Co Antrim.  

The next highest at 2300gns was Drumcorn Erg G545 from John and Ann Henning, Moira, Co Armagh. By imported bull Ankonian Elixir, he is out of the herd's prolific show cow Drumcorn Ergessa C256, a daughter of Ballamanaugh Estefan. With a milk value of +12 and +2.9 for eye muscle area, he sold to D Hatrick, Creggan Farm, Londonderry.

At 2200gns the Henning family also sold Drumcorn Ergal G521, again by Ankonian Elixir, but this time out of the Royal Added Value daughter Ergessa X53 of Blelack. With a self replacing index of +29 and a milk figure of +14, he heads across the water to Preston Farms, Kirkcolm, Stranraer.       

Next highest at 2100gns was Adrian Richardson, Co Fermanagh, with his Aynho Rossiter Eric B125 sired Hillview Eamos G044. Out of Idvies Ermine D197, he has a self replacing index of +33 and milk value of +11 and sold to Peter McSherry, Whitecross, Co Armagh.

At the same money was Lisburn-based James Porter's old Glenort Kane G151. This March 2007-born bull is by Haymount Wessuro out of Kathleen of Fordafourie. Kane sold with a self replacing index of +27 to J Ward, Castlewellan, Co Down.

Mr Porter also secured the male championship with Old Glenort Vance G313, an ET-bred son of Young Dale Touch Down out of Shade Pond Victoria V1. Taking him home for 1900gns was local producer William Hazlett, Killyman, Dungannon.  

Leading dairy entries in both the pre-sale show and the sale itself at Skipton yesterday were father and son team Malcolm and Robert Swires, Harrogate, when they collected their fourth consecutive championship with a freshly calved cow and took the top call with another similar entry.

Top call of £2390 went to the family's second prized entry which sold to Geodd Blezzard, Ribchester. Second best call came for the champion, a daughter of Semex sire Shoremar James, at £2150. This one sold to the judge David Hancock, Sandbach, Cheshire.

In the heifers top call of £2000 was given for the first prized heifer from Brian Moorhouse, Bell Busk by Wick Williams, Nantwich, Cheshire. Mr Moorhouse's second prize entry made the same money when selling to Aubrey Greenhalgh, Preston.

South Devon cattle breeders have scored what they believe to be a remarkable first by exporting semen from two UK bulls to Thailand.

Semen from AI Haughton SAS Joe Louis 1 and Trewint Henry 1 (pictured) has been sent to the Far Eastern country as the result of several years of work by Telford-based breeder Richard Hartshorn. Its thought to be the first UK semen to be exported to the country.

The semen hit Thai shores just in time for the country's major agricultural exhibition, VIV Asia 2009 in Bangkok and enabled Mr Hartshorn to offer semen for sale to farmers visiting the show. "The interest was amazing from both Thai farmers and those from other Asian farmers.

"Cattle are a prized possession in Thailand, but there has been little progress in breeding over the years. Cattle can make the difference between a decent living or not for Thai farmers," he added.

Commercial buyers made their presence felt at Saturday's sale of Blonde cattle at Worcester when prices hit a top of 4100gns for a bull from D and M Davies, Fedw Cocoa Cola. This one sold to G L Thomas, Betws-y-Coed, Wales.

First prize winner from the pre-sale show Kinnaston Callum, a Haydens Platinum son from Roy Kinnish took the next top call of 3700gns when he sold to W Cox and Son, Solihull, and another from Mr Kinnish, Kinnaaston Chester. This on is by Hackleton Varig and sold to D Puzey, Beaminster, Dorset, at 3650gns.

Best from David Knight's Doncombe herd came when Druk Thor-sired Doncombe Cossack sold for 3450gns to A T Williams and Son, Monmouth.

In the females the best sale of 3150gns was for Peter De Giles, Bilsington Cambe which sold to Messrs Phillips of Bockleton, Tenbury Wells, Worcester.

Averages; 20 bulls £2827.12, 1 in-calf heifer £1890, five maiden heifers £1854.30 (McCartneys).

Buyers from across the UK travelled to Worcester on Saturday for the Longhorn breed's spring show and sale and weren't disappointed by the quality of cattle on offer.

Heading up the trade at 3200gns was John Warner's heifer Charnwood Licania. By Fishwick Discovery out of a Fishwick Optomist sired cow, this one sold to Rachel Heard, Welford, Northampton.

At 1900gns Philip and Lisa Bell sold Bonemill Frieda with her heifer calf at foot to J T Newton, Alne, York, and close behind at 1750gns was a senior heifer from Mr Warner which sold to I J Bayley, Rugeley, Staffordshire.

Next best was a 1650gns sale for John and Joshua Brigg when they sold Halloughton Timpany, also to Mr Bayley.

Averages; 12 cows and calves £1496.62, 3 in-calf cows £668.50, 13 senior heifers £1018.50, 14 junior heifers £861.75, 3 bulls £2082.50.

A tremendous trade resulting in a 100% clearance of stock forward and a 6500gns top price at Newark last Saturday should leave Limousin breeders happy.

Auctioneer Paul Gentry of Newark Livestock Market said, with tongue firmly in cheek, that the trade was hard to beat and that breeders may want to reconsider their pilgramages north in search of sales in future.

Leading the sale was Scarliffe Cracker from Ian Wildgoose, Chesterfield, Derbyshire. He is by French sire Objat and out Scarcliffe Victoria, a Jockey daughter and was bought by Messrs Bamforth and Sons. Halifax.

Following the trend set at Thainestone and Newark in recent days demand for Charolais sires continued in strong form at Welshpool yesterday when the breed's sale was topped at 6600gns by Brynffanigl Cracker.

Sale leader was the day's reserve champion an 18 month old from Bob Roberts and his son, Rheon who were enjoying the second consecutive highest entry in Welshpool within five months. Cracker was by Derryharney Outstanding and out of a Blelack Ladysman sired homebred dam from their 35 cow herd based at Brynffanigl Uchaf, Abergele.

Buying this one were Brian and Craig Davies who run a 80 cow suckler herd at Rhayader. "Cracker was the pick of the day's crop, he demonstrated everything in the right places and we were determined to take him home," said Craig.

Next at 5500gns was class winner, Bailea Cosmic, a rising two year old by Burradon Talisman, sire of the 55,000gns Thrunton Voldemort and out of a homebred dam by Doonally New. Bred by Brian Jones, Hoel Senni, Brecon, he was knocked down sold to EM Gittins, Llansadwrn, Menai Bridge.

The first calver, Penrikka Morton Marina, sold for £3050 at Wednesday's dairy sale at Carmarthen.

This one was sired by Penrikka Morton and out of Penrikka Convincer Marina. She was giving 7 gallons/day and was sold by Mr Williams, Penygen Hill.

Another of Mr William's pedigree first calvers, Penrikka Ranpage Marina, sold for the next best price of £2000.

Santamarina Jasper Tiny, was sold by Mr Davies, Nantsaer for £1850.

This price was almost matched by Tregibby Mr Sam Babette V, rated G85. This one was sold by Mr Wilson, Tregibby for £1800.

The next highest price of £1780 was shared by two entries. The first of which was a commercial dairy cow from Mr Bowen, Tretro Uchaf. The second was Ormond Rachel 16 from Mr Davies, Gwarffynnon.

Mr Jones, The Elms, sold Farthings Climax Anne for £1720. Mr Davies, Ffynnondudur, also sold his commercial dairy heifer for the same money.

Averages: 8 dairy cows: £1383, 18 dairy heifers: £1292

A heifer by Brookfield Vaughan sold for a top price of £1100 at Skipton Auction Mart this week.

This 14 month old, British Blue cross, pre show supreme champion, owned by Ken Fawcett and Sons, Barden, sold to Graham Nutt, Hull.

The Fawcetts also sold another of their British Blue heifers for the next top price of £1013.

The next best price of £970 was shared by two entries. The first of which was a British Blue heifer from D and S Hollings, Hebden Bridge.

A bullock from Lisa Metcalfe, Bradford sold to John Mellin, Long Preston, for the same money.

Holstein, Jersey and Ayrshire cows and heifers all came under the hammer at yesterday's pedigree dairy sale at Borderway Mart, Carlisle.

Among the Jersey and Ayrshires, Robert Hunter's Jersey heifer, Clydevalle Sultans Twinkle 7, by SHF Centurion Sultan, sold for the top price of 2600gns. She is out of the EX92, Grahamr Sambo Twinkle and has three full sisters, all VG heifers. She sold to Messrs Watson and Son, Wigton.

Two Ayrshire heifers sold for 2400gns. The first of which was Cuthill Towers Radar Ray 6, from A and S Lawrie's noted Cuthill Towers herd. She was sired by Hilltower Stanley Red and went to E H Fearon, Grange Over Sands.

Also at this price was Halmyre Urr Ladybird 394, a fresh heifer from the well bred Halmyre herd of the Davidson family, Haugh-of-Urr. She was by Arron Doon West Port Chip Red and from Halmtre Urr Ladybird 344.

The pre-sale show reserve champion in the Holsteins, Morwick Talent Pinta, went for 2300gns to N and S J Sanderson, Lanercost. She is a Ladino Park Talent daughter out of Morwick Rubens Pinta.

H M and D Hodgson's Wormanby Zenith Blackcap, sold for 2250gns to ID Houston Farming, Dalbeattie. The same buyer also purchased Lavenham Breeze 205 for 2200gns from joint owners W M Hutchinson and Son and D Reynolds, Lancashire.

Morwick Talent Mitzy Red, also went for 2200gns to A Carlyle, Longtown. She was by Ladino Park Talent and from Morwick Sand Mitzy Red.

Averages:

Holstein: 2 cows in milk; £1512, 20 heifers in milk; £2062.20

Jersey: 1 cow; £546, 3 heifers in milk; £1799, 1 in calf heifer; £1417.50

Ayrshire; 4 cows in milk; £1753.550, 10 heifers in milk; £2106.30

(Harrison and Hetherington)

A top call of 3900gns was the highlight of the dispersal sale of the milking portion of the Wilson family's much sought after 'Snow' Holstein Herd at Carlisle yesterday. The included 70 cows and heifers, all calved since late November to early April.

Their December calved heifer, Snow Minnie 33, sold for the day's top price of 3900gns to C M Haigh, Newton Stewart. This one was by Braedale Freelance and from a line of high yielding, long wearing Excellent rated dams.

 Snow Ridge Janet 52, went for the next best price of 3000gns. She is a second calved cow by Braedale Goldwyn and from Snow Ridge Janet 44. She sold to N and S J Sanderson, Lanercost.

The next top price of 2800gns was shared by two entries. The first of which was Snow Minnie Nora Red by Carrousel Regiment Red. She went to D R Horsley, Penrith.

Snow Car Margaret 28 by Gillette Brilea and from Snow Car Margaret 20, went to Messrs Bargh, Penrith for the same money.

Averages: 25 heifers in milk: £2247, 51 cows in milk: £1818.97 (Harrison and Hetherington)

Once again demand for beef bulls was strong at Thainestone yesterday with the trade topping at 6800gns for the reserve champion Charolais from the pre-sale show Ugie Chieftan from Jimmy Wilson, Barnyards, Mintlaw.

Chieftan is a June 2007-born son of 28,000gns sire Farleycopse Turbo and out of Ugie Olga a Beauchamp Foreman daughter, he was bought by Knockothie Farm, Knockothie House, Ellon.

Taking the second top call on the day was the overall champion from the pre-sale show, Limousin bull Anside Chico from Stephen Irvine, Braehead, Keith. This one is by Fleethill Talisman and out of Shire Lucky daughter Anside Rachel. He sold for 6000gns to Messrs Laurenceson, Shetland.

Another Limousin made the next best price of 5600gns for the best from John and Margaret Penny's Shannas herd, Mintlaw. Shannas Cadet is an April 2007-born son of Procters Rocco, himself a Neutron son and out of Shannas Talula, a Ronick Jalopy daughter. He was snapped up by D D Moir and Son, Cuminestown, Turriff.

At 4800gns was another Charolais from Jimmy Wilson, this time Ugie Captain. Another Turbo son, Captain is out of Ugie Vicky, Maerdy Oxytone daugher. He sold to J and a Cooper, Drumngair.

Top among the Simmentals on offer was a 3200gns sale for the pre-sale show champion Balmaud Viceroy from Wilson and Geraldine Strachan, Banff. This one is by Innerwick Renown and out of Balmaud Ruth. Buying this one were J and J Grant, Earlsfield.

Averages; 20 bulls £3564.75 (Aberdeen and Northern Marts).

Holstein bulls hit a top of 3900gns at yesterday's inaugural spring show and sale for the Western Holstein Club at Beeston.

Leading the trade was the pre-sale show champion from Mick and Jean Gould's Woodmarsh herd, Shrewsbury, Woodmarsh Melburn. He is a January 2008-born son of Dudoc Mr Burns and bred from eight successive generations of VG and EX dams and is out of a dam by Picston Shottle which gave 13,282 litres in her first lactation.

Second best at 3600gns was the second prize intermediate bull from Peter Waring, Beverley, Yorkshire, Winton Paddy Burns. Also by Dudoc Mr Burns, this one was born in December 2007 and is ET from a dam which gave more than 10,000 litres in three of her six lactations. He sold to Messrs Evans, Llanrhystud.

And the third and final lot to sell for more than 3000gsn came when Mark Nutsford of Riverdane Holsteins sold a Braedale Goldwyn son Riverdane Sizzler. This one, again ET bred goes back to the some impressive breeding on his dam's side, including being a grandson of noted show cow Copywood Integrity Sara Red. He went home with another Welsh buyer K S Jones and Sons of Llansantffraid, Powys.

Four then sold at 2000gns, the first of which was Stardale Heinz, an Emerald-Acr-Sa T Baxter son from J Burrow and Son which sold to D Sutton, Crewe. Second at this level was Styche Super Talent from Seaton Farms. This one is by Al.Par.Stadel Elayo Red and sold to P C and V Kenny, Stone, also at 2000gns was Sterndale Atmosphere from W J Nadin and Co when he sold to M Fisher, Penrith, he is by KHW Kite Advent Red.

The final 2000gns sale was for R and E Butterfield's Ingleview Virtue. An ET bred son of New-World Empire out of Hillbrad Patron Vanessa, he headed home with T G and D M Watchorn, Leicestershire.

Averages; 34 bulls £1552.76 (Wright Manley).

Cull ewe values have pushed higher still this week with prices at Carlisle on Monday reaching £134.50 for Suffolk ewes from Cardew Hall Farm, while Rouge De L'Ouest ewes from Messrs Whiteford, Brampton, made £130 at the same venue.

But it's not just terminal sire breeds which are the pick of the trade with Blackface culls making up to £89.50 and Bluefaced Leicesters topping at £104.50.

However, prices were slightly easier at Hexham where a top price of £104.50 was achieved for Texel cross ewes and heavy ewes averaged £88.44. Light ewes hit a top call of £70 for Cheviots and levelled at £55.36

Charolais bulls were the pick of the trade at Newark on Saturday for the annual multi-breed sale of beef breed males and females.

Topping the trade at 3600gns was Wesley Chieftan from Wesley Estates, Markfield, Leicester. This one is by Balthayock Aesop and out of a dam by 20,000gns sire Thrunton Trojan. With a terminal sire index of +23 and a self replacing index of +29, Chieftan sold to G White and Son, Beesby, Alford.

Limousin trade hit a peak of 2400gns at Leyburn on Friday when the reserve overall champion, a Sympa son from Margaret Suddes Farming sold to Aberdeenshire producer John McIrvine.

The sale leader, Towdypotts Crisp is out of Cornsay Ursule, which is a Papin daugher out of imported cow Roquepine.

At 2300gns was Oddacres Checkmate from Andrew and Claire Mason, Embsay. Checkmate is by Titan and out of Tempete. He sold to Paul Muir, Westerdale.

Then at 2000gns was an unregistered entry from Simon Priestley, Bradford. By Gunner fleet Unbeatable, this one is out of Prietec Upity, a Brontemoor Rio daughter and went home with T W Thompson, Richmond.

In the females the top call of 1800gns went to a cow and calf from W Burn, Seamer. This one was Newstart Avaline a Ronick Gains daughter out of Preselhill Rosalin and sold to J A and D A Horn, Billingham. Meanwhile, the overall champion from the pre-sale show, Carpley Green Cornflake from Chris Cloughton, Bainbridge, sold for 1740gns to Geoff Verity, Masham. This one is by Oxygene and out of Carpley Green Ultrabright, a Gunnerfleet Lotus daughter.

Then at 1560gns was the next best in the cows and calves, Cornsay Umbrella from Margaret Suddes Farming, Tow Law. She is by O'Maley and out of Rioka and also sold to Messrs Horn.

Texel and Beltex ewes and lambs took the cream of the trade at Wednesday's show and sale at Skipton with Cecil Hutchinson's first prize winning Texel ewes from the pairs class selling for £192/outfit with Beltex cross lambs at foot.

In the pen of five class Mr Hutchinson also took top honours and top price with five ewes with Beltex lambs at foot making £190/unit. Next best price of £180 was given for the second prize entry in the pairs class for Beltex cross ewes with Beltex sired lambs at foot from Michael Allen, Staithes, Whitby.

At £158/outfit Arthur Maude sold the second place pen of five - Mules with Texel lambs at foot - to Andrew Parry, Harrogate.

Aberdeen-Angus stores sold to a ready demand and strong prices at Dingwall yeesterday when a top call of £1080 was secured for a 610kg steer from Wester Fearn. This one had collected a red ticket in the pre-sale show. And the same vendors achieved success in the pen of four class, taking first with a pen averaging 576kg which later sold for £1020.

In the heifers the top call of £1000 again went to the first prize entry, this time on from Gordonhall which tipped the scales at 675kg.

More than 200 buyers packed Holsworthy market yesterday for the dispersal of the Daniel family's Danland herd of Holsteins which saw trade peak at £2835.

Taking this top call was February calved Danland Joyce 104. By Picston Shottle she was bought by Graham and Lloyd Duke, Boyton, Cornwall.

Buyers from all over the south west generated a huge buzz around the sale ring for what auctioneer Mark Bromell of Kivells described as one of the finest herds of dairy stock ever sold at Holsworthy.

Averages; heifers £2327, cows £1830.

Records were smashed at Tuesday's final dispersal sale of the Attwell herd of Ayrshires at Beeston Castle when one of vendor Andrew Gough's favourite cows, Attwell Spottie 13, was sold for a new breed record of 11,000gns.

A much admired cow by ringsiders Spottie 13 is by Bankend Brown Bomber which Mr Gough rates as one of the best bulls he's ever used and out of Attwell Spottie 6. Having given 8148 litres in her second lactation Spottie 13 sold dry and due to calve again in May to Blaise Tomlinson for his Sandyfoprd herd at Nanpantan, Leicester.

And another record was broken later in the day when in-calf heifer Attwell Amanda 7, a McCornick Nelson daughter which goes bacl to two Ex classified cows sold for 6200gns, the highest price ever recorded for an in-calf Ayrshire heifer. Due in August this one was snapped up by Philip Williams, Haverfordwest.

Next best call was a 4200gns bid for another from the Spottie family, Attwell Spottie 20. An August 2007-born daughter of Spottie 13, this maiden heifer is by Green Lane World First and sold to Pam and Dawn Coryn, Cornwall.

Then at 3800gns Mr Williams was back in spending mood securing another of the family, Attwell Spottie 17. By Brieryside High Profile and out of the same dam at Spottie 13, this fresh calved heifer gave 44.3kg at her first milk recording. And at 2750gns another McCornick Nelson daughter, Attwell Lady Marina 2 sold to Stephen Oultram, Ewloe, Deeside. She is due with her thrid calf in April had given 3842 in 177 days of her second lacation.

Averages: 124 cows and milking heifers £1775.43, 22 in-calf heifers £1653.75, 84 maiden heifers £876.13 (Wright Manley).

The Geldard family's Wraycastle flock of Charollais sheep have taken the Easter Show Championship awards against strong competition at both Lancaster and Kendal Marts this week .

On Monday at Lancaster the champion lamb weighing 45kg sold for £112 (249p/kg) to Whittakers Butchers, Walney Island.

The following day the champion at Kendal weighed 46kg and sold for £108 (235p/kg) to Lancaster Meat Company.

Store cattle trade at Lockerbie yesterday was as hot as its been anywhere this spring so far with heifers topping at £990 for Limousin crosses from Messrs Jardine and Son, Yett, while steers peaked at £920 for Limousin cross Friesians from J Kerr, South Coshaw.

Top price/kg in the steers was a 228p/kg call for Simmental from D R Howatson, Hallmeadow, while heifers reached 206.2p/kg for Charolais crosses from K Spence, South Corrielaw.

Among the cows and calves on offer top price was £2050 for a Limousin cross heifer with a Limousin sired heifer at foot from Messrs Walker and Sons, Lammonbie.

Another of the native breeds enjoying a resurgence drew the bids yesterday as Sussex breeders enjoyed a sprightly trade for bulls at their spring show and sale at Ashford with a top price of 3500gns achieved twice on a day which the auctioneers believe broke breed records.

Heading the trade and the first to 3500gns was the reservee champion from the pre-sale show, Boxted Regent 7 from Les Stevens and Sons, Sittingbourne. This one is by a homebred sire and sold to Messrs Rumsey, The Wetland Trust, Icklesham, Rye.

Also trading at this level was Holm Place Wellington 4 from J C and C Lewis, Isle of Sheppy. Wellington 4 is a son of Mayfield Wellington 5 and sold to Box Farm Partners, Andover.

Second top call of 2500gns was also shared by a brace of entries, the first of which was the champion from the pre-sale show, Offham Major 12 from Messrs Wakeham Dawson and Harmer, Offham, Lewes. Taking this one home were The Rumseys again for the Wetland Trust. The other transaction at this price came when 2003-born Poplars Glowworm sold to Richard Parsons, Stonegate.

Female trade, meanwhile, topped at 2900gns when in-calf heifer Windsor Levity 1 from the Queen's Windsor herd sold to R Killinbeck, Hartfield. Levity 1 is by Ladywell Bucaneer and was joined on the wagon back to Mr Killinbeck's Harts Farm by three other entries also from the Windsor herd with their four levelling at 2100gns.

Averages; five bulls £2656.08; four in-calf heifers £2205 (Hobbs Parker).

Prime lambs in Bentham's Easter show and sale of new season lambs hit an amazing £170/head this week when Ruben Park sold the show champion, a Suffolk x Charollais lamb weighing 44kg to Radfords Butchers of Sleights, Whitby. That's a staggering 368p/kg.

Farmers from the western side of the Penines showed their Yorkshire counterparts how to do it at yesterday's show and sale of prime stock at Skipton.

Taking the honours in the lamb section was Farleton, Lancaster-based Robert Towers with a pair of Beltex cross lambs by an Irish bred stock tup. Mr Towers' 35kg entries sold for £98/head (280p/kg).

Reserve champion were a brace of Suffolk crosses weighing 44kg which made £108/head (246p/kg) for Mark Evans. But top price a head in the lambs went to another pair of 43kg Suffolk crosses from Raymond and Robert Johnson, Felliscliffe, which sold for £115/head (267p/kg).

Following on from the snippets I brought you earlier, here is a fuller report and selection of pictures from Saturday's sale from the Moynton herd of Charolais at Sedgemoor Market.

Sale leader at 5600gns, Moynton Caspar, is a son of Seawell Offshore out of Nectargerc sired dam Moynton Violetta. Born in April 2007 Caspar carries a terminal sire index of +24 and a self replacing index of +32. He sold to Ann Orr-Ewing for her Foxacre herd, Swindon.

Next best at 4600gns was another bull Moynton Crispin. This one is a May 2007-born son of Offshore out of Moynton Tiffany, a Balthayock Nougat-sired dam. He sold with a terminal sire index of +28 and a self replacing index of +39 and was bought by A S Cowling, Clatworthy, Taunton.

Trade for Simmental sires at Saturday's breed society sale at Roscommon hit E17,500 when Irish breeders offered a selection of the country's finest genetics.

Leading the trade was Curraheen Whiskey from David and Gillian Wall, Dublin. Whiskey is an embryo transfer bred son of Hockenhull Maverick out of Raceview Misty Jade, a Raceview King daughter. Taking this one home after a bidding war between Irish, Scottish and Northern Irish breeders was John Connaughton for his Ballybane herd, Co Meath.

Taking the second top call of 5100E was Celtic Wiseman from Angela and Gerard Brickley, Co Laois. This January 2008 born son of Carraheen Tyson is out of a homebred dam by Titan and had been performance tested at Tully and is in the top 1% of the breed in Ireland for suckler value and beef carcass figures.

As expected the news that this year's Royal Show will be the last has drawn a mass of reaction from people across the industry, with people wondering just what has happened to make RASE call a halt to the show.

What is particularly baffling is that in RASE's Strategy Document dated 1 March and posted to its website on 2 April the organisation states there are three objectives in helping deliver its aims. Intriguingly this document was changed by 11am this morning!

The third of these objectives is "Deliver annually both technical agricultural shows and the public facing Royal Show in support of other priorties"

So, the question which RASE needs to answer ASAP is what suddenly changed? If on 1 March the Royal Show was still a priority why isn't it now and why was the document published on 2 April without being amended?

Are trade stand bookings for this year's event so lacklustre they felt the need for a publicity stunt to draw more people in?

It surely can't be a lack of stock entries, schedules only went out last week, so few if any forms will have been sent back yet.

British Blue sired entries led the prices and the placings at last week's show and sale of young feeding bulls at Skipton.

Taking top honours and the lead price of the day were David and Stephen Hollings, Pecket Well, Hebden Bridge, with their son on Netherwood Vinny out of a homebred cow British Blue x Limousin cow. It later sold for £1040 to the judge Keith Bowes, Bilborough, York.

Second top price of £1030 was paid for the third placed entry from Jimmy Baines, Trawden, while the second placed bull from Martin Lee, Fence, Burnley made £950, also being bought by the judge.

Trade at Saturday's production sale from Peter Old's Moynton herd of Charolais topped at 5600gns for a bull, Moynton Casper.

Best among the cows and calves was a 4200gns bid for Moynton Unique. Both Peter Old and herd manager Mike Yeandle were content with the trade, although Charolais chief executive David Benson noted that only bidders from outside of England were prepared to pay more than 4000gns.

Full report and pictures to follow.....

Well, I've just had a shock which was somewhat unexpected on a Friday afternoon - This year's Royal Show is to be the last ever, according to RASE.

A statement issued by RASE in the last hour or so to all tenants of the showground states that the trustees of the Society have decided that 2009 will be the last show and the organisation will concentrate on a new programme of events from 2010 onwards that will develop and enhance the reputation of RASE.

All in all I guess its something we've long thought could happen, but also deep down believed never would.

With many happy memories of Royal Shows as both an exhibitor and a journalist it is undoubtedly a sad day to see the show finally closed down. What replaces it is yet to be seen, but you can be assured I'll bring you whatever news there is as soon as we have it.....

P.S - This is not a belated April Fool's joke!

Semen from Limousin sire Wilodge Cerberus which wowed the crowds at October's Carlisle bull sale is to be made available for sale through the Limousin society's semen marketing website Semenstore from June this year onwards.

Bred by Christine Williams and Paul Tippets at Shifnal, Shropshire, Cerberus was overall champion at Carlisle in October before being sold for 50,000gns to Allan Jenkinson's Whinfellpark herd at Penrith.

With a beef value of +46 and a muscle depth of +7.2, Cerberus is within the breed's top 1% and is by another famous Wilodge sire Tonka and out of Wilodge Priceless, a Broadmeadows Cannon daughter.

.

Its that time of the week again where I grab a few minutes to scour the primestock reports from across the country and as expected cull ewe prices have pushed on upwards again this week with a top call of £123 recorded in Melton Mowbray on Tuesday for Texels from P Weaver, Newark.

Meanwhile at Bakewell on Monday trade peaked at £106 for more Texels, while Suffolks were just shy of that level at £105.

Among the new season lambs offered at centres this week Bakewell saw a top price of £124.79/head for 39.3kg entries, while further south at Ashford more than 100 head were entered for the annual Easter show and sale and trade was particularly brisk with first prize winners topping the market at £95 (249.41p per kg) for 34kg Texel Cross from S Becvar and an overall average of 233.79p per kg.

Meanwhile, on the hogget front Hexham reported a top call of £105 for Suffolk crosses from The Whins whose consignment of 105 Suffolk cross hoggets avergaed £98.66.

So, all in all the sheep trade looks to be fine health, but what has to be remembered is that a lot of these prices are high on the back of currency movements. Should sterling strengthen its likely UK retailers would gain the whip hand again and be sure to put increased pressure on prices. 

The cull trade is of course largely isolated from the multiple retailers, but no doubt even the major ewe slaughterers would be grateful for a shift in sterling to help them out a bit. All we can hope is that supplies on the Continent and from New Zealand remain as tight as they are currently.

A top price of 2300gns was the highlight of this week's Spring Fever Sale at Sedgemoor, Somerset. Leading the bids was the red VG85, second calver, Xantia. She was giving 30kg with an SCC of 45 and was one of 65 pedigree German cows sold as part of a herd dispersal from Gordon and Mark Davis.

Another VG85 cow by Calbrett-I HH Champion and out of a dam by Boss Iron, sold for the next best price of 2150gns. Both cows travelled to different purchasers in Devon.

The next highest price of 2020gns went to Roland and Simon Bugler's heifer, Bettiscombe James Ebony PI by Shormar James. She goes back to a Wyevalley 11,000kg grand dam.

Averages: 64 Cows: £1637.84, 29 Calved heifers: £1670.61 (Greenslade Taylor Hunt).

Heifers led the way at last week's Western Holstein Club show and sale at Beeston Castle, with Painley Smuelo Lana 53 from J and V Barlow, Carmarthen, selling for a top price of 4100gns. She is a daughter of Regancrest-Mr Samualo with two EX dams and a 9000gns sister and sold to Lyn Davies of the Carmarthenshire-based Meurig Herd.

The same buyer also bought Whinchat Mailing Honey, by Poly Kow Mailing from A C Birkle, Carmarthen, for the next best price of 3100gns. This one was bred from nine generations of VG/EX dams.

This was closely followed by Crosslanes Shottle Redtop 31, from Alastair Dobson, Cholmondeley, which went for 3000gns. This milky heifer was giving 43kg/day and sold to Hywel and Sheila Evans of Llansilin, Oswestry.

Pre-sale show champion and top price cow, Rowarton Milkstar Favourite, a daughter of Deslacs Milkstar, went for 2800gns. She was sold by Roger and Pat Sutton, Congleton, to the show judge, Richard Thomas, Carmarthen.

The next best was Enchanted Jasper Rolls from Enchanted Holsteins, Preston, when she sold for 2500gns to David Alderson, Northallerton. This price was also met by J J and J D Hughes's, Clayford Chameleon Violet 19 which sold to Mr Davies.

The reserve champion was the heifer, Leamington Roy Lana. She is a daughter of Roylane Jordan and out of a Convincer dam from D and E Trice of Leamington, Warwickshire. She sold for 2400gns to A R Cox and Son, Stafford.

Averages: 31 cows; £1753.67, 69 milking heifers; £2067.89 (Wright Manley).